Cover The family for a growing family looks deceptively simple
The family for a growing family looks deceptively simple
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An inspired redesign by Pins Design Studio of an old house into a serene space full of natural light for a growing family
Minimalism in a home has a bad reputation for being cold and impersonal, but in the right hands and with the appropriate material, it can be warm and welcoming.
Pins Design Studio undertook this challenge for this semi-detached home in Duta Nusantara, a leafy gated community in the well-heeled Mont Kiara neighbourhood.
Light coloured timber was used for built-ins and furniture
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The development had some years on it, and its Balinese-style house looked predictably dated. However, its strategic location and lush landscaping had much to recommend.
Inspired by the abundance of nature around it, the designers created a nature-inspired minimalist interior to highlight this two-storey family home and successfully transform the existing "dreary residence into a light and airy abode".
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The dining table projects from the internal courtyard
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"As the owners requested a more spacious home for their growing family, we incorporated an open layout by enlarging the existing plan and extending the internal space. At the same time, we brought in touches of nature— sunlight, greenery, and air—to enhance the key areas," says Tan Sii Yuan, design director of Pins Design Studio.
The design team wanted to create a memorable statement within the home to underline the overall concept while bringing nature in. "One of the defining elements of this home is a tree that spans upwards to create a vertical dialogue with the upper levels," remarks Tan.
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Rooted on the ground floor, the tree merges with a long counter that begins at a raised platform within an internal courtyard resembling a Japanese chabudai before extending horizontally to form the dining table.
The chabudai is a short-legged table common in traditional Japanese homes and telegraphs the correct design language for this home's zen concept as the horizontality of this dining table generates a sense of balanced proportion while visually linking the different elements in the space.
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Ample space was provided for the family to all spend time together
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This sense of nature encompasses every aspect of the home, not just the lower level, as Tan confirms: "On the ground floor, the tree produces a shaded canopy within the chabudai to evoke the experience of dining in nature. We installed a sky roof on the first floor to stream sunlight throughout the day, resulting in different visual effects from dawn to dusk.
Above Meticulously detailed staircase
Above Timber detailing is found throughout
Meticulously detailed staircase
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From design gestures to materials, wood was a natural choice for built-ins and details. This is especially evident in the kitchen, where the designers employed custom-made wood cabinetry to keep the warm and welcoming theme consistent.
In its centre, a kitchen island with louvred wood panels adds personality to the space.
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Another family-friendly area upstairs overlooking the internal courtyard
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"We used wood generously and included a subtle interplay of textures using natural materials to create depth and tactile interest. We also employed a neutral palette comprising high-contrast dark browns and whites to complement the softer shades of timber brown and light grey," continues Tan.
Timber screening was used to divide areas
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In terms of furniture, wood and natural materials like bamboo and grass take pride of place.
The simplicity of these finishes is accented by the sculptural lines of the chairs in the living and dining, and the cream upholstery of the sofa.
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The master bathroom feels like a sanctuary
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The designers wanted the home to be a place for the whole family to enjoy. "Ample space for parents and children to spend quality time together has been implemented in this home. Adjacent to the stairway, we set up a play area on a raised wood platform. In addition, we enclosed the space underneath the stairs and carved out a cosy chill-out nook for kids."
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Credits
Photography: TWJPTO STUDIO
Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
